In the latest episode of Lemongrass Roots, we sat down with Vivien Boche, Head of Customer and Partner Advocacy and Product Co-Innovation for SAP Build at SAP, to explore a topic that’s both a buzzword and a business imperative: the “clean core.”
When Vivien took on her role at SAP, she immersed herself in co-innovation projects with customers and partners, translating complex tech topics into compelling stories. And she’s seen firsthand how the conversation around clean core has moved from niche to urgent.
“It’s really about simplicity,” Vivien explained. “Customers have lived with customized systems for decades. But with RISE with SAP, with upgrades, with digital transformation, you can’t just carry all that complexity forward. It’s unsustainable.”
Vivien painted a picture familiar to anyone in the SAP world: systems weighed down by years of modifications, custom code intertwined with core processes, and an upgrade path that feels like moving house with too much clutter.
“You have to decide what to leave behind,” she said. “And that’s where clean core comes in. It’s not just a technical decision. It’s about business priorities. It’s about what you want your SAP system to enable going forward.”
At the heart of this transformation is SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), which Vivien described as a vital enabler for clean core strategies. “BTP is where your extensions live. It’s where you innovate without contaminating your core system.”
But achieving clean core isn’t a one-time project. Vivien compared it to adopting a healthy lifestyle: “It’s not about going on a crash diet and expecting everything to be perfect. It’s ongoing discipline. Governance, change control, making sure you stay clean as you move forward.”
Throughout the conversation, what stood out was Vivien’s pragmatism. She actively challenged misconceptions—such as the myth that clean core is solely about extensions, or that BTP only supports SAP-to-SAP integration—bringing clarity and reassurance to customers navigating their transformation journeys. She acknowledged the challenges customers face, especially those with deep legacy investments. “No one flips a switch and becomes clean core overnight. But every step towards it improves agility, reduces costs, and positions you better for the future.”
For organizations considering RISE with SAP or moving to S/4HANA, Vivien had clear advice: “Don’t treat clean core as an afterthought. Build it into your roadmap from the start. And lean on partners who’ve walked that path before.”
The episode closed on a hopeful note, with Vivien reflecting on the opportunity ahead: “We’re at an inflection point. The customers who embrace clean core, who invest in platforms like SAP BTP, they’re setting themselves up to be future-ready. And that’s exciting.”
Ready to rethink your SAP strategy? Don’t miss our latest Lemongrass Roots podcast episode, featuring SAP’s Vivien Boche as she breaks down the journey to clean core and the power of SAP Business Technology Platform. Tune in for practical insights, relatable stories, and expert advice on how to declutter your ERP and build a future-ready foundation. Listen now!
